Three Rivers Village School is an independent school serving youth ages 5-18. It is Pittsburgh’s first democratic school. There are no required classes, books, tests, or homework. TRVS trusts that children learn best when driven by internal motivation, following their own rhythm and path. Students can pursue any safe activity that does not infringe on the safety or freedom of other people including activities beyond the walls of our building.

There is abundant age-mixing at the school. Children grow through observation and experimentation with all ages; free association among all ages lets relationships develop based on passions, personalities, and circumstance. The mission and program of Three Rivers Village School have been inspired by the Sudbury Valley School of Framingham, MA, The Circle School of Harrisburg, PA, and The Free School of Albany, NY.